Based on Waikehe Island, New Zealand, Eclectic Boutique offers a unique shopping experience with thoughtfully curated selections of sustainable and high-quality fashion, accessories and giftware. Their hand-selected fashion products reflect their passion for unique and stylish pieces and feature fun prints, pops of colour and quality fabrics from European, Australian and New Zealand designers. Here, Eclectic Boutique owner Lee Thornton talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about taking over the business, her biggest breakthrough, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I didn’t set up the business but rather purchased it in April 2025 from the previous owner who had been involved from inception. She was an amazing mentor to me and I wouldn’t have succeeded as I did without her patient guidance throughout the handover.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Quietly and tentatively… and entirely freaking out. When I bought the business – in the middle of a recession and with little to no experience in retail – and we advertised the change of ownership, it was very heartening to see the support from our loyal subscribers who had been supporting the business for many years. They were very welcoming and seemed excited to see the new chapter of Eclectic.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Trust myself! We aim to cater for all people on the island in both women’s fashion and gift/homeware, and try to ensure we have things in everyone’s budget.
I felt the pressure to keep providing what our clients were used to. The local Waiheke community is a tricky market given its diversity and the fact that half of our population disappears over winter, and our online community has different expectations from the locals. That means the shop needs to evolve and change… and be eclectic! I was aware I needed to keep the favourite brands but I wanted to add my own touch.
We needed underwear on the Island and we need more choice, so, slowly, over the first year, I have thought about all of those things, and that, coupled with the natural introduction of my own style, has led to a change in the overall feel of the store.
We get such good feedback from our customers which means we must be doing something right! That feels like a breakthrough to me!
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
My daughter has just bought her first home (I’m super proud of her!) and, devastatingly, I lost my beautiful husband to a sudden medical event about 5 years ago. So, this was perfect timing for me to focus on something new and have my time filled up with new learnings and challenges.
I have certainly done the hard mahi this past year, but it has been a labour of love, with my amazing team of three lovely wahine who all bring their own special strengths to the business too.
